Aquarium Membership FAQs

Members of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) New York Aquarium are entitled to free admission to the New York Aquarium for one year.

The New York Aquarium opens at 10 a.m. Closing times vary by season – please check the Visitor Info section on the website for current information. The New York Aquarium is open 365 days a year. To add the 4 WCS Zoos to your Membership, please call
718-220-5112 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

How can I become a Member of the Wildlife Conservation Society?

Join online. Join online at any Membership level and immediately print out a temporary Membership card to gain admission to the NY Aquarium, and start enjoying all the benefits included with your Membership. Simply bring your temporary Membership card (printed, or easily displayed on a smartphone) and a valid photo ID.

Join on-site today. Join at the admissions booth at the New York Aquarium. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. To save time, join online today.

What benefits are included with my WCS Membership?

Click here to view all Membership levels and benefits. NOTE: Discounts and benefits are subject to change.

If I purchase a Membership that includes more than one adult, do I have to name the other adult(s)?

You may choose to name the other adult(s) on your Membership, or you may choose to list a second adult as "Guest" so you may bring a different person with you on each visit. Memberships are non-transferable, and a Guest must always be accompanied by a named adult on the card.

Can Memberships be shared?

Memberships may not be shared by more than one household. All adults named on the card and their children up to age 18 must reside in the same household. Memberships are not transferable and are only valid for the individuals named on the card. Any additional visitor not covered by your Membership will be charged the current admission fee.

Does WCS give senior discounts?

Senior Memberships (65+) are available at a 20% discount. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts. All named Members on a senior Membership must be 65 or older. Photo ID required upon entrance.

What are the rules for visiting a WCS Wildlife Park?

Park entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for Members and all park guests. Please keep your group together when presenting your Membership card to admissions staff. Your children and/or guest(s) covered by your Membership will not be admitted unless they are accompanied by an adult named on the card. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Additional guests will be charged the current admission fee.

I forgot to bring my Membership card; can I still visit the aquarium?

Yes, we can do a look up at admissions and issue a replacement card. However, due to the technology of our membership processing, this replacement will INVALIDATE your prior cards. We will honor one courtesy lookup/replacement, and any additional replacements for forgotten/lost/stolen cards will be done for a card fee. PLEASE NOTE: lookups can not be done at parking - so if you membership level is one that includes parking benefits we cannot honor that without a valid card presented upon arrival.

Can my children use my Membership card without me?

No. Your children and guests must be accompanied by an adult named on your Membership card. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Can my child caregiver bring my children to the parks?

Yes. The best method is for your child caregiver to be a named adult listed on the Membership card. Then they are entitled to use the card. If you do not place their name on your card then it will require additional information in order for them to use the card in your absence*: Your Membership card must state "Child Caregiver" in place of one of the Adult names; AND the Caregiver needs to come with a photo ID, AND a letter from you verifying employment. When entering as a Child Caregiver, it entitles entry to that individual and the Member children. Child Caregivers may NOT bring additional guests. "Child Caregiver" may not be substituted for another guest. We are unable to make changes to Membership cards at our on-site locations. *"Child Caregiver" can only be included on Membership levels that include 3 or more Adults.

What are the rules for parking at the NY Aquarium?

Due to ongoing construction, there will be reduced parking capacity at the Aquarium over the next 2 years. During this time, we are also transitioning to a pay-on-exit parking system. When that system is in place, Members at the Legacy Family Premium, Legacy Dual Premium and Conservation Supporter level parking benefits are:

0-3 hours: FREE
3-4 hours: $10
4+ hours: $20

Conservation Fellow/Partner/Patron receive free daytime parking. NOTE: Member parking benefits DO NOT apply to NIGHT PARKING. If you forget your Membership card, or present an expired card, you will be charged for parking. Parking fees cannot be refunded or applied to a Membership purchase. Parking at the New York Aquarium is not included for Dual or Family Plus Memberships.

Note: If you recently purchased your Membership online or by phone, you must provide proof of Membership at the parking gate. Present your temporary Membership card (printed, or easily displayed on a mobile device) and a valid photo ID at the parking gate.

Parking is subject to availability, and limited to one car per Membership per day. Members are not guaranteed parking. Parking on WCS premises is done at your own risk. WCS is not responsible for stolen or damaged property.

How do I pay for parking?

TO ENTER:

Scan your Membership card first. This is how the system identifies if your membership has free parking benefits, so it is mandatory to have a valid card scanned on arrival.

Take your parking ticket and enjoy your visit! The system will dispense a ticket after scanning your membership card. Put the ticket somewhere you won’t forget it — you’ll need it to exit. The ticket is valid for one-time use only.

TO EXIT:

Option A: Stop by a Parking Pay Station before getting back in your car. If you have a balance, pay with cash or credit, then present the validated ticket at the exiting arm.

Option B: Present your ticket at the exiting arm. If you have a balance, pay with credit only.

If you have any issues upon entry, please take a ticket and then stop at a Membership booth for assistance.

Can I get a refund for parking?

The parking fee cannot be refunded or applied to the purchase of a Membership.

What are the rides & attractions at the parks?

New York Aquarium 4-D Theater included with all Aquarium Membership levels as well as Legacy memberships.

Attraction entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for Members and all park guests. Please keep your group together when presenting your Membership card to the admissions staff.

When will I receive my Membership card?

If you've joined or renewed by phone, mail, or the internet you will receive your permanent Membership materials in the mail. You can use your temporary card until you receive your materials in the mail.

If you wish to visit one of our parks BEFORE your Membership card arrives, PLEASE BRING YOUR TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP CARD AND A VALID PHOTO ID WITH YOU TO THE PARK.

FOR PARKING BENEFITS: (if applicable at your member level) Please present the temporary Membership card and your photo ID at the parking booth. Without this proof of Membership you will be required to pay for parking at the New York Aquarium. Parking fees are non-refundable.

If you haven't received your Membership package within four weeks of joining, please call (718) 220-5112 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily or email us at membership@wcs.org

How can I replace a lost/stolen Membership card?

There is a $5.00 fee to replace lost, stolen, or damaged Membership cards. We can process replacement cards at the park; or, please call (718) 220-5112 from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email us at membership@wcs.org.

If I decide to join during my visit can I apply the cost of my general admission tickets towards a Membership?

Yes, but you MUST purchase your Membership on the same day that you purchased your tickets. There are no exceptions. Please bring your ticket receipts to a Membership booth or admission booth before 4 p.m. and we'll be happy to credit the price of admission tickets applicable to the Membership level you choose. Parking fees are not refundable and cannot be applied to the purchase of a Membership.

Why must I show an ID at the gate?

As a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on Membership dues and attendance fees for support. To prevent the misuse of your Membership card, we ask that you show a photo ID. We appreciate your understanding.

How can I learn about WCS events and news?

News about WCS programs and activities, as well as information about Members-only events, is provided in Members' News, mailed to all Members bi-monthly, and in Members' E-news, sent monthly via e-mail.

I've already renewed my WCS Membership, but I continue to receive renewal notices. Should I be concerned?

If you have recently renewed your WCS Membership, please disregard any further renewal notices. Although we work to process renewals as quickly as possible, it is possible that your payment and our notice crossed in the mail.

How can I redeem a Member T-shirt coupon?

Member T-shirt coupons are redeemable at the admission booth at the New York Aquarium.

Can Members purchase additional Member wildlife T-shirts?

Yes. Members can purchase extra T-shirts at the admission booths at the New York Aquarium. Additional T-shirts cost $10 and are only sold to current Members. Available sizes are Adult XL, Adult M, and Youth M.

How do I change my address?

If you have changed your address or do not wish to be on our mailing list, please e-mail us at membership@wcs.org or call Membership Services at (718) 220-5112 from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is the return check policy?

A charge of $25 will apply to any check that is returned by the bank or depository institution on which the check is drawn.

Does WCS exchange mailing lists with other organizations?

WCS makes our mailing list available to organizations we believe might be of interest to our Members. If you do not wish your name to be shared with other mailers, please e-mail your request to membership@wcs.org or call Membership Services at (718) 220-5112 from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we will remove your name and address.

Does WCS have a reciprocal Membership agreement with any other zoos or aquariums?

WCS does not have reciprocal agreements with other zoos or aquariums.

How do I get a WCS Membership with my IDNYC municipal ID card?

Once you have received your IDNYC card, you may bring that card to the Bronx Zoo to apply for an individual WCS IDNYC Membership. Enrollment is only available on site at the Bronx Zoo. Find out more about WCS IDNYC Membership.

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